Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 378
Atlante (1)
The three ships stopped at a distance of about 400 meters.
It seems they’re wary of Erwin’s arrow attacks…
“Erwin, can you intercept from this distance?”
“Yes. But at this distance, they usually react.”
Well, they have a mage on their side.
They’d have plenty of time to respond before the arrows hit—
Boom!
At that moment, the magic cannon mounted on the front of their flagship roared, spitting out a magical cannonball.
Well, I thought they’d at least offer us a chance to surrender before starting.
It seems they decided it wasn’t too late to talk after they’d won the battle.
Or perhaps they planned to sink the ship and fish out the corpses later.
Whooosh—!
The magical projectile shot towards our ship in a near-straight arc.
“Schuiz!”
Amelia called out my alias in panic, but it was Erwin who responded.
“Mister, I can handle this.”
Before I could ask how, she released an arrow from her bow.
Boom!
Immediately, the arrow imbued with the power of the wind spirit collided with the magic cannonball over the sea and exploded.
“Erwin, how many can you intercept?”
“I think I can handle four or five at a time.”
Wow, really?
At this rate, we wouldn’t even need anti-magic circles.
“Well done, Erwin. Keep blocking them like that if they fire again.”
Erwin, pleased with the recognition, eagerly waited for more projectiles, but unfortunately for her, the bombardment stopped after that first shot.
“Looks like they’ve been caught off guard.” Amelia added
I had the same thought.
However, it seemed the enemy soon decided what to do.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The three ships began to close the distance, firing their magic cannons in rapid succession.
Erwin intercepted them without even a moment to breathe, but occasionally, one got through.
Crash!
A cannonball struck the lower part of our ship, violently shaking the vessel.
Well, I guess it’s time to get started.
The distance seems just right now.
“Erwin, spirit form.”
As soon as I gave the order, Erwin immediately used the skill.
But should I still ask?
“Which element?”
“Water.”
When I gave her the element, Erwin cautiously took my hand.
Alright, the link was complete.
『The water spirit dwells in the character’s body.』
『Water attribute damage received is reduced by half.』
『Electric attribute damage received is increased by four times.』
『Melee weapon damage is reduced by 50%.』
『Bonus from Blessing of the Spring Water.』
『Healing and regeneration effects received are doubled.』
『Soul power regeneration speed increased…』
『…』
Hmm, come to think of it, is this the first time I’m using Elemental Barbarian (Water) in actual combat?
I looked down at my transformed body.
Visually, there wasn’t much change.
Just that my skin became moist and a bit more glossy.
“Emily, I’m off.”
“Where are you going…?”
Where else would I be going?
The best defense is always offense.
Well, perhaps I should say this before I go?
“Oh, and one more thing. If it becomes difficult to protect the ship, just abandon it and jump down.”
“What do you mean—”
I didn’t have time to waste, so I skipped the detailed explanation.
And then…
Tap.
I leapt off the ship’s railing into the churning waves below.
It wasn’t a diving posture.
In this state, there’s no need for that.
『Bonus from Blessing of the Spring Water.』
A one-line bonus without any description.
A character with this bonus can breathe underwater without any effect and can walk on water.
Just like this.
Step.
Standing firmly on the rolling surface of the ocean, defying gravity.
This was it…
“Whooooa!!”
The “Barbarian Jet Ski (Running) Mode.”
Tatatat.
As soon as I landed on the water, I let out a shout and sprinted forward.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The enemies, momentarily stunned by the sight of a barbarian running on water, quickly refocused their magic cannons on me.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
I protected my vital spots with a shield, but I couldn’t ignore the power of the magic cannons firing indiscriminately.
After all, they’re ‘magic’ shells.
Physical resistance doesn’t reduce the damage.
Every hit made my bones ache.
But…
“Erwin, no need to block the shells.”
『What? What do you mean…?』
Erwin couldn’t finish her sentence.
Because she saw the skeleton that rose behind me with a rattling sound.
『The character has cast [Risk Burden].』
『The inherent ability of the skill is unlocked by the power of the Transcendent Being.』
『The damage immunity effect of [Counterstrike] is removed, and its activation rate is fixed at 100%.』
Magic cannonballs are powered by magic.
In other words…
『30% of the damage received is reflected back at the enemy.』
『30% of the damage received is reflected back at the enemy.』
『30% of the damage received is reflected back at the enemy.』
『…」
It meant that every hit I took would deal a blow in return.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As soon as I was struck by a magic cannonball, the skeletons manifested, launching counterattacks at the enemy ships.
However, the counter-fire didn’t damage the ships.
Whooooosh!
A magic barrier unfolded around the ship.
The barrier easily blocked the magic shells, now weakened by 30%.
Seeing this, the enemy continued their bombardment without hesitation.
Until…
「Great Luck.」
「300% of the damage received is reflected back at the enemy.」
Oh, a critical hit.
Graaaaah!]
With the exhilarating sound of success, the skeleton lit the fuse of a super-sized magic cannon.
Boom!
The magic shell, emitting a sound several times louder than usual, flew and shattered the barrier surrounding the hull with ease.
And then…
“What kind of monster…!”
“Everyone, abandon Merryna and escape!”
“Hurry, come over!”
“Quick, over here!”
The ship began to sink.
‘Damn it.’
I didn’t expect it to go down in one hit.
How much would this loss—
Suddenly, a flash of light burst out as the ship was unsummoned, retreating into subspace after evacuating its crew.
Hmm, we’ll just have to repair it later.
“Sink their ship first!”
They decided to take care of the obvious first, so they turned their magic cannons and fired shells at our ship, leaving Amelia alone.
Tsk, I figured this might happen.
Erwin intercepted as much as she could, but it wasn’t enough to stop our ship from sinking.
She was too busy dodging magic herself.
[Mister, it’s magic!]
“Hide behind me, just in case!”
I hid behind Erwin, who was following me closely while linked to me. While in [Spirit Form], she was immune to physical damage, but she’d take far more damage from magic.
If [Spirit Form] deactivated, we’d just sink into the ocean…
『Reflects 30% of the damage received back to the enemy.』
『Reflects 30% of the damage received back to the enemy.』
『Reflects 30% of the damage received back to the enemy.』
『…』
I charged forward, taking all the incoming magic, spells, and various ranged skills with my body.
Thanks to the [Risk Burden], counterattacks followed every hit I took, but even so, the enemy didn’t stop attacking.
“Paltan is dead!”
“We have to stop him before he gets here!”
“More! Pour in more!”
“He’s dying too! Just a bit more!”
The enemies poured everything into their attack, confident they had the upper hand.
They thought I’d be too injured by the time I reached their ship to put up a fight. Clearly, they believed they’d be able to finish me off with sheer numbers.
Such fools—
Zing!
A beam of light shot toward me, piercing through my body.
『The character has been struck by ‘Lightning Spear’』
A surge of pain so intense I nearly blacked out.
Though I staggered, I managed to steady myself.
But my body was in critical condition.
The lightning had fried my insides like a boiled stew…
‘Damn lightning magic.’
Is it because I had both Elemental Barbarian (Water) and [Risk Burden] activated?
The damage amounting to eight times was enough to leave me in a critical condition.
But the enemy seemed to have suffered just as much.
[Graaaaah!]
Another critical hit rang out.
「Fortune’s Favor.」
「300% of the damage received is reflected back at the enemy.」
The skeleton hurled a massive lightning spear like something out of myth.
And then…
——!
The spear flew at lightning speed, obliterating the second ship next to the flagship.
That ship was beyond repair.
No sound reached my ears. My hearing was temporarily gone.
Bzzzzzzzzz.
An unbearable ringing filled my head.
Soon after, my legs gave out, and I sank into the sea.
Though, it was partly intentional.
『The sea’s energy permeates the character’s body.』
『Due to the passive skill [Origin], natural regeneration greatly increases.』
I told you.
I can never lose in the sea.
***
Stormgush’s passive skill [Origin].
Combined with the doubled healing and regeneration from [Spirit Form], my body began to regenerate as quickly as with a potion.
Whoooosh!
Dislocated bones snapped back into place, and burned, pierced, and crushed flesh regenerated anew.
Unlike with a potion, there was no pain, so I could perceive the recovery process of my body more precisely in real time.
Soon, my hearing returned.
『Mister, are you okay?』
So we can talk underwater in spirit form.
But I can’t speak.
I pointed upward with my index finger, shrugged my shoulders, and tilted my head.
『You’re asking what’s happening above?』
Right.
As I nodded, Erwin quickly briefed me.
『For now, the attack has stopped. I think they believe they’ve killed you.』
Yeah, they’re happily raising flags.
『Ah, I can faintly hear them talking… It seems the mage is about to use a detection spell.』
Hmm, then they’ll soon find out I’m alive.
Before that, I should give them a surprise.
When I gestured to be lifted up, Erwin summoned a water spirit to push me up.
Splash!
Thus, I returned to the sea surface.
“I-it’s him!”
When I grinned like a water ghost rising from hell, they freaked out and showered me with exclamations.
“His injuries are all healed…!”
“What kind of monster is he…?”
Most of them were just flustered and gaping, but the leader was different.
Because that’s what a leader is.
Someone who must make the calmest judgments in any situation.
“Captain!”
“…Turn the ship around!”
The sole remaining flagship quickly changed direction.
This is why I didn’t heal even though the sea was all around me.
If I ran while regenerating like a zombie, they’d have cut their losses and tried to escape earlier.
No matter how I can walk on water, it’s impossible to catch up to such a ship on foot.
But…
Tap.
At this distance, I think I can just barely reach them.
As I started running in earnest, they shouted urgently.
“He’s coming!”
“Faster! Go faster!”
They weren’t even trying to shoot at me now.
After all, they knew I’d recover from anything they hit me with.
They didn’t want their attacks reflected back at them and risk damaging their escape.
“We’ve turned the ship!”
“Mana stones! Pour in the mana stones!!”
The ship, having fully turned around, started to speed off as if a motor had been attached.
At that moment, the distance between us was about 15 meters.
‘Damn it…’
I pushed myself with every last bit of strength.
No way I was letting them get away after smashing up our ship.
They wrecked our ship and now they’re running away?
No way.
Even if you’re leaving, leave the ship behind!
“Aaaaaaah!!”
As I let out a scream and pushed off with my feet, the distance began to close.
Acceleration takes time, after all.
“We’ll be caught at this rate!”
“More! Pour in more mana stones!!”
As the gap narrowed, fear flashed across the faces of the crew on the rear deck.
They looked like they were being chased by a monster.
Shiiik!
In the meantime, Erwin shot an arrow and knocked one of the guys in front of the railing into the sea.
She avoided the vital spots, so it wasn’t an instant kill.
“S-save me…!”
He floundered in the water, gasping for breath.
But none of his comrades made any attempt to rescue him.
I didn’t care either, too busy running.
Thud.
I passed him and pushed forward with all my might.
9 meters, 8 meters, 7 meters, 6 meters, 5 meters…
The distance between me and the ship narrowed, but only a little.
Then it stopped.
The ship, now accelerating steadily, soon surpassed my running speed.
5 meters, 6 meters, 7 meters, 8 meters…
The distance began to widen again, and I could see the relief in the eyes of the enemies watching me from the ship’s rear.
‘Damn it.’
It hit me just how much I missed having a movement skill.
Normally, Shield Barbarians get mobility skills at rank 8, but didn’t I luckily consume the Manticore Essence before that?
If I hadn’t erased [Leap], I’d have boarded the ship by now!
“Is it really going to end like this?”
With a resigned feeling, I gradually slowed down.
Of course, it wasn’t because I thought I’d truly lost them.
“Erwin, shoot our ship. It’s okay if you break it a bit.”
“Our ship…?”
“Let’s skip the minor details and hurry.”
When I repeated myself, Erwin shot an arrow toward the ship’s stern…
Boom!
It exploded immediately.
“Well… the repair costs are going to be steep.”
It was where the flagship’s magic propulsion device was located.
***
After the magic propulsion device was destroyed, it was smooth sailing.
The distance that had been widening quickly closed, and I was able to successfully board the deck.
And then…
“Kill him!!”
Of course, they didn’t surrender the moment they saw me.
Thus began the battle.
They were a clan that operated on the 6th floor, so they weren’t easy opponents.
But…
In fact, the outcome was already decided.
Erwin circled around me in [Spirit Form], taking down enemies one by one.
I protected her.
And when my injuries piled up too much…
Sploosh!
I’d just dive underwater and come back up healed.
After repeating this three times, the remaining enemies, having lost their will to fight, dropped their weapons and surrendered.
Of the fifteen, only seven remained. So more than half of them were dead?
“Tsk tsk, don’t you guys value your lives? You just throw them away like that?”
“W-We’re sorry. Please, spare us…”
What are you saying? You’re already dead.
Crack!
As soon as they surrendered, I slammed the leader’s head into the ground and brought my hammer down on it.
Then, I tied up the remaining men and took control of the ship.
“Who’s the sailor?”
“I-I am!”
Phew, at least the navigator was still alive.
“Hey, you’re a mage, aren’t you?”
“……”
“Nod your head? Not going to answer?”
“Y-Yes, I’m the mage…”
The surviving mage was also singled out.
“Hey, you’re the mage, right?”
“……”
“Just nodding? Won’t you answer?”
“Y-yes. I-I am the mage…”
I separated the one remaining mage from the battle.
“Seeing your tattoos, you’re the guy who was piloting another ship, right?”
“Y-yes.”
The one responsible for the other two ships was separated as well.
And then…
“You two remaining…”
“……”
“Just go.”
“W-what? W-where on the ship…?”
Where else?
Crack, crack!
Since the remaining two were useless, I dealt with them immediately.
After quickly sorting everyone out, I headed to the rear to check the ship’s condition.
The magic propulsion device had been utterly destroyed.
“Dammit.”
I was genuinely furious.
“You guys… How could you damage my ship this badly…?”
“W-We’re sorry…”
“If ‘sorry’ fixed everything, we wouldn’t need laws, would we?”
“……”
My muttering was met with bowed heads and silence.
Sigh. What good would getting mad at them do—
Splash, splash.
At that moment, I heard the sound of splashing water from below the ship.
“Hmm? What is that…?”
To satisfy my curiosity, I leaned over the railing and looked down.
And then…
“Ah.”
I saw Amelia.
Did she really swim all the way here?
“…A castaway, huh?”
I said, throwing out a rope, and Amelia caught it, pulling her up onto the ship.
And…….
“Schuiz, you really are…”
“Hmm?”
“Take this.”
Her fist slammed right into my stomach.